Our fast-paced world often leads to hasty choices, increased consumption, and a home – and closet! – full of unsatisfying purchases. To help curate a wardrobe you love and a simplified life, I recommend reading the below slow fashion books. Rather than ridgid manuals, each book brings its own perspective on living your values through fashion and mindful purchases. Books have the power to change your life. These four will help you start your journey by teaching you the basics of slow fashion and a lifestyle focused on mindful consumption.
Begin your slow fashion exploration with these books
The Conscious Closet by Elizabeth L. Cline
📚 Read this book for a crash course on sustainable fashion and ethical manufacturing
Ever wondered what your closet’s environmental footprint looks like? Elizabeth L. Cline’s The Conscious Closet delves into the hidden costs of fast fashion, highlighting issues related to sustainability, ethical labour practices, and consumer behaviour. You will learn how to make better choices, including buying secondhand, supporting sustainable brands, and extending the lifespan of garments. Through a mix of personal anecdotes, research, and practical tips, you’ll be empowered to build a wardrobe aligned with your values. Plus, you’ll contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion ecosystem.
Wildflower by Aurora James
📚 Read this book if you want a behind the scenes look at the fashion industry.
While Wildflower is actually James’ memoir, it primarily focuses on her experiences building Brother Vellies. She shares her journey creating a sustainable fashion line focused on traditional African design created by artisans throughout Africa, Mexico, and beyond. Recently, James founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which challenges retailers to commit 15% of their shelf space and spending to Black businesses.
I read this cover to cover over two mornings by the pool as it was such an engrossing read! It will show you an in-depth look at starting a fashion business and the considerations required from the onset if that business is to be sustainable.
A Life Less Throwaway by Tara Button
📚 Read this book if you want to say goodbye to impulse purchases forever!
Sick of the whole use-it-once-and-toss-it culture? Enter Tara Button and her book A Life Less Throwaway. Button examines the culture of disposable consumerism and provides a guide to cultivating a more mindful and intentional approach to shopping and lifestyle choices.
Button delves into the psychological and societal factors that drive excessive consumption and encourages you to adopt a more considered approach to purchasing. While her book covers all items we may buy, her concept of “mindful curation” is especially pertinent when developing a well-built wardrobe. She advocates for investing in high-quality, durable items that bring lasting joy and utility. You’ll have the tools to embrace a lifestyle that values sustainability, longevity, and meaningful experiences over disposable consumption.
The Power of Less by Leo Babauta
📚 Read this book if you feel your life could benefit from simplification.
In The Power of Less, productivity expert Leo Babauta shares the concept of achieving more by doing less. It’s about ditching the overwhelm and multitasking for a dedicated focus on a few important things. By embracing simplicity and setting clear priorities, you learn to harness your energy and attention, leading to increased productivity and a more fulfilling life.
While not focused on fashion, this is a quick read that will show you how to prioritize what truly matters. Its lessons can help counteract the constant noise we hear from the 10,000+ advertisements seen each day. Instead, you can develop a life and style that is truly your own rather than a reflection of social media.
Any other slow fashion books you would add to the list? Let me know in the comments!
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